1. Click on a topic to learn more
Mechanical Systems
Click on a topic to learn more
What is a Mechanism?
How do I check a mechanism for changes in speed?
How do I check a mechanism for changes in torque?
How do I figure out the speed ratio or gear ratio?
How do I know if the flow of power is reversible?
What the change of direction of movement?
Tell me more about rotary, reciprocating, and linear motion.
SAMPLE MECHANISMS NOTEBOOK
Mechanism Pictures
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2. Mechanical Systems Universal Joint Bevel Gears Crown and Pinion
Click on the name of a mechanism below to see a picture of it.
Universal Joint
Bevel Gears
Crown and Pinion
Rack and Pinion
Worm and Wheel
Lead Screw
Cam and follower
Gear Train
Pulley and Belt
Crank and Slider

3. A part or combination of parts designed to transmit movement.
Mechanical Systems
What is a Mechanism?
A part or combination of parts designed to transmit movement.

4. Mechanical Systems How do figure out Speed or Gear Ratios?
Turn the input handle while watching the output shaft.
Count how many times you turn the input handle to get the output to turn once.
Record your answer like this: 4:1
Input
Output
Output
Input

5. Mechanical Systems How do I know if a mechanism changes speed?
Turn the input handle at a constant speed.
Observe the output.
If the output turns slower than the input, the mechanism decreases speed.
If the output turns faster than the input, the mechanism increased speed.
Output
Input

6. Mechanical Systems Is the flow of power reversible?
Grab the output shaft and try to turn it.
If the input crank turns, the flow of power is reversible.
If the input crank doesn’t turn, the flow of power is not reversible.
Output
Input

7. Mechanical Systems Rotary, reciprocating, and linear motion
Rotary Motion:
Constantly spinning in the same direction
Reciprocating Motion:
Moving back and forth constantly
Linear Motion
Moves in a straight line in one direction

8. Angle of Input compared to output
Mechanical Systems
Comparing the angle of input to the angle of output.
Look at the angle between the input shaft and the
output shaft. This is the change of direction of
movement.
Angle of Input compared to output

9. Mechanical Systems Torque is a twisting or turning force.
How do I check a mechanism for changes in torque?
Output
Shaft
Turn the input handle at a constant speed.
Grab the output shaft (metal bar)
Output stronger than input: torque increased
Output weaker than input: Torque decreased
Input
Torque is a twisting or turning force.

10. Universal Joint

11. Bevel Gear

12. Crown and Pinion

13. Rack and Pinion

14. Worm and Wheel

15. Lead screw

16. Cam and Follower

17. Gear Train with Idler

18. Pulley and Belt

19. Crank and Slider

20. Sample Mechanisms Notebook? ? ? ?